A Slice of German Christmas

Splashes of red, white and green accompanied by a soulful loop of German carols spread Christmas cheer at the German Christmas Market at German House, Chanakyapuri, on Saturday. A brainchild of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, the market's main aim was to strengthen ties between India and Germany (Most visitors would agree that shopping makes hearts grow fonder).

Indian exhibitors were in a majority, flaunting ethnic products such as lamps, block-printed fabrics and handicrafts. Tucked in tiny corners of the market, however, we found Christmas cheer laced with charity. Joy Bells School, Dehradun, run by Althia Joy for orphaned children from Leh and the Northeast, set up a quaint stall with handmade and organic Christmas products such as twig mistletoe, colourful bells, cushion covers and Santa hats.

"These children love Christmas so we come here every year. Our most popular items are organic pickle and lemon chutney, which we make with ingredients from our school garden, and mistletoe which children make with twigs from the forest behind our school," says Althia.

Indian and German families with their children flocked to the fair, some even waltzing with one another till afternoon. "The food and the carols remind me of Christmas at home," said German homemaker Brianna Kole.

As the adults caught up with one another and bought knick knacks, children participated in a painting competition and a magic show. By 1 pm , the whiff of gingerbread and meat-filled sausage rolls wafted into the air, leading to a long queue at the only corner stall selling German Christmas food.

The fair will be held at German House, 2 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri till today. Entry: Rs 250

ALSO READ

Read and Digest

Scrolls of History

Music in the Park

History Reloaded